Samsung Defeats KIA to Reach Korean Series for First Time in Two Years

The Samsung Lions have advanced to the Korean Series for the first time in two years.

Samsung defeated the KIA Tigers 6-1 in the decisive fifth game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoff (a best-of-five series) held at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu today (November 1).

With a series record of three wins and two losses, Samsung edged past KIA to reach the Korean Series, where they will face regular-season champions KT Wiz for the ultimate championship.

Having played in the playoffs for three consecutive years, Samsung defeated the LG Twins 3-1 in 2024 and lost to the Hanwha Eagles 2-3 last year.

This year, they have once again outpaced KIA to reach the Korean Series and challenge for the title.

On the other hand, the KIA Tigers (including their predecessor, the Haitai Tigers), the powerhouse of autumn baseball with a 12-for-12 record in Korean Series appearances, failed to break their playoff jinx.

KIA won playoff series in 1987 and 1989, but has now been eliminated in five consecutive playoff appearances, starting with losses in 1990, 1992, 2002, 2003, and extending to this year.

The first game of the Korean Series between Samsung and KT will take place on November 3 at Suwon KT Wiz Park.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.